2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Praying For One Another

Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. [2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 NASB]

After blessing and praying for the Thessalonians, Paul is now asking for prayer for himself and his traveling companions.

I have seen two extremes in the church over the years. One is the needy Christian. This person is at the front of the church asking for prayer every week. They don't dispense spiritual comfort to others, They only take.

The other is the one who prays for everyone else. This person is perceived as being very spiritual and caring. They always give, and they never ask for prayer for themselves.

Just as takers often don't know how to give, so givers often don't know how to receive. But through Paul's example, we see both. He prays for others and doesn't hesitate to ask for prayer for himself.

It is important to ask for prayer. Often it is pride that keeps a person from seeking prayer. Admitting your weakness and asking others for help is an act of humility. When you ask another person to pray for you, you make that person a part of your life. 

Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray that his ministry would prosper. By so doing, he made them a part of his ministry, and those who prayed for him will share in the rewards of that ministry.

I said before that asking for prayer is an act of humility, but there's a point where that stops being true. The one who only asks and takes, and doesn't give back isn't humble, but is selfish. I have seen it on Sunday mornings; the same people time after time, adopting their humble statures and sad faces as they take and they take; soaking in the atmosphere like a sponge, but never giving back out. These are immature believers who have never grown past the need for milk.

I urge you to pray for others. Make a list and pray for the needs of those on the list. Pray for you pastors and those who minister the word of God. 

When someone tells you of a need, pray with them for that need, right there, out loud. You may say, "but I don't know how to pray out loud. I'm too scared." Then pray that the Spirit of God will teach you how to pray. Nothing brings you closer to your fellow believers than sharing an intimate time of prayer. 

Be bold. Step out in faith. Take a moment of silent prayer to God that He will give you wisdom to pray for others. He will give you that wisdom. You may find, as I have, that there are more blessings in praying for others than there are in receiving prayer for yourself. 

Ask for prayer that your own needs will be met, so that you may freely minister to the needs of others. In this way the whole body of Christ will be blessed.

Lord, I thank You that You have given us Your word, and the freedom to proclaim it. I pray that Your word will go out to the church and to the world, pure and true, and that all people will be drawn close to You.